CVE-2018-0296
HighExploitedPublic exploitA vulnerability in the web interface of the Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause an affected device to reload unexpectedly, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition.
Published Jun 7, 2018 · Updated Aug 11, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2018-0296 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v3.1) affecting Firepower Threat Defense (Cisco), Secure Firewall Threat Defense (Cisco), Adaptive Security Appliance Software (Cisco) and 1 more product.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 17, 2019. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 100% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Adaptive Security Appliance Software 9.1.7.29, Adaptive Security Appliance Software 9.2.4.33, Adaptive Security Appliance Software 9.4.4.18.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
100%
Higher than 99.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2018-0296 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
A vulnerability in the web interface of the Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause an affected device to reload unexpectedly, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition. It is also possible on certain software releases that the ASA will not reload, but an attacker could view sensitive system information without authentication by using directory traversal techniques. The vulnerability is due to lack of proper input validation of the HTTP URL. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request to an affected device. An exploit could allow the attacker to cause a DoS condition or unauthenticated disclosure of information. This vulnerability applies to IPv4 and IPv6 HTTP traffic. This vulnerability affects Cisco ASA Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software that is running on the following Cisco products: 3000 Series Industrial Security Appliance (ISA), ASA 1000V Cloud Firewall, ASA 5500 Series Adaptive Security Appliances, ASA 5500-X Series Next-Generation Firewalls, ASA Services Module for Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches and Cisco 7600 Series Routers, Adaptive Security Virtual Appliance (ASAv), Firepower 2100 Series Security Appliance, Firepower 4100 Series Security Appliance, Firepower 9300 ASA Security Module, FTD Virtual (FTDv). Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvi16029.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 17, 2019 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 3, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
10 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Firepower Threat DefenseCisco | 6.2.3, 6.2.3.1, 6.2.3-85.02, 6.2.3-851 | 6.1.0 |
| Secure Firewall Threat DefenseCisco | 6.2.3, 6.2.3.1 | 6.1.0 |
| Adaptive Security Appliance SoftwareCisco | See advisory | 9.1.7.29 |
| Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance unknown | >= Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance unknown | n/a |
Patched Releases
Adaptive Security Appliance Software
9.1.7.29, 9.2.4.33, 9.4.4.18, 9.6.4.8, 9.7.1.24, 9.8.2.28, 9.9.2.1
Firepower Threat Defense
6.1.0
Secure Firewall Threat Defense
6.1.0, 6.2.2.3
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jun 7, 2018
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 17, 2019
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Aug 11, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-20 Improper Input Validation
- CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
References
- advisoryhttps://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-18-184-01
- advisoryhttps://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20180606-asaftd
- advisory104612
- advisory1041076
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/154017/Cisco-Adaptive-Security-Appliance-Path-Traversal.html
FAQ
Common Questions.
A vulnerability in the web interface of the Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause an affected device to reload unexpectedly, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition.
Affected: Firepower Threat Defense (Cisco) versions 6.2.3, 6.2.3.1, 6.2.3-85.02, 6.2.3-851; Secure Firewall Threat Defense (Cisco) versions 6.2.3, 6.2.3.1; Adaptive Security Appliance Software (Cisco), among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 17, 2019.
Yes. It was added on Nov 3, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of May 3, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Adaptive Security Appliance Software 9.1.7.29, Adaptive Security Appliance Software 9.2.4.33, Adaptive Security Appliance Software 9.4.4.18.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2018-0296 Running On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense maps vulnerabilities like this one to your internet-facing assets and tells you exactly where to patch.
Request A Demo